Students Talk
I love teaching a broad range of students—all ages, experience levels, and theatrical dreams—and offering professional techniques so that they can raise the bar on their performances. From beginners to veterans and universities to community theatres, my students have a lot to say about my classes over the years.Josee Duffhues
“I’ve spent time both on and off stage; I’ve had the good fortune of excellent instruction decades ago in university, but Barbra French’s approach to acting taught me more than I’d managed to forget. I’m definitely going to be a stronger actor and better director after taking her course. ”
Michael Robinson
“I’ve had the pleasure of being both work-shopped and taking classes with Barbra French. She shares her many years of experience with professionalism, compassion, humour and patience. Through group exercises and gentle coaching, she teaches by pushing you outside of your comfort limits. Her classes are fun, invigorating and you make great friends, too. I highly recommend her for both novice and experienced actors.”
Ian McFarlane
‘’Barbra taught me acting during my second year of University, when I was a very green and wide-eyed performer. She played a crucial role in constructing my foundations as an actor. I was introduced to a new level of discipline, involving thorough script analysis, real attention to the history of the characters and their relationships, as well as a need for complexity and dedication in my work. Barbra created a very trusting and loving environment…She knew how to push my limits while still feeding my enthusiasm.”
Wanda Badduke
“I cannot praise Barbra at Vita Theatre enough for inspiring me. I began acting with many insecurities and reservations; however, her engaging, informative and interactive approach has helped me develop tools to utilize on stage. She creates a safe environment where you can easily explore the world of acting and step out of your comfort zone. A spark has been ignited in me and I can now put myself out there with confidence. I would recommend her classes to anyone who desires to act or further develop their craft. Thank you Barbra.”
Maureen Molyneux
“We thoroughly enjoyed Barbra’s easygoing and open style of facilitating the classes. She is rich in knowledge, talent and experience, and if she ever becomes frustrated with her students, it never shows!
Barbra is kind, patient, and respectfully direct – she creates a safe atmosphere of learning. She was able to offer us many different tools and well known methods in a short period of time, and it was up to us to take it farther if we chose.
Be prepared to work, this is not a class for sitting down and taking notes, this is a class about actively listening, being in the moment, and doing. Also, be preapred to have fun.”
Sherry Lavoie
Acting was on my bucket list this year and so I signed up for Barbra French’s introduction to acting class…I thoroughly enjoyed it. Barbra brings an abundance of experience to the class and she hits it home in a nurturing, engaging and meaningful way. Initially we started off with exercises that made us feel comfortable when performing, and then we finished off with mini scripts that were pertinent to our strengths and personalities. Taking this class helped prepare me for my first role in a community theatre play – which has just wrapped up. I would highly recommend the class for aspiring thespians! I myself plan to learn some improv techniques from Barbra in the future.
Brenda Clarke
“Barbra French is a fantastic acting teacher and coach. I am thoroughly enjoying my 10 week acting class with Barbara this spring. I have learned a great deal about acting theories, realities of performance, practise with improv, body and voice work and breath.
I appreciated the focus on “the moment on stage”, the basics of action/verbs vs. emotion and the support/tips for auditions. The class small group performance was fun, challenging with lots of coaching and teachable moments. I highly recommend this acting class. “
Linda Bazooyen
“All in all, this was a very rewarding and beneficial workshop for any director (experienced or not) to partake in to either learn directing techniques as a “newbie” or to hone their directing skills and add new tools to their toolkit. Barbra’s extensive training and experience as an actor, director and educator came through in spades as she challenged us all to “push the boundaries” of the scripts and our work in a very supportive and safe environment. I am so glad I was able to take this workshop and would encourage anyone else wanting a worthwhile directing workshop to take Barbra’s. You will not regret the time and intensity involved with this experience!! Thank you, Barbra!!”
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Tim Hornett
“I thoroughly enjoyed this short glimpse into the performing side of theatre, which was a whole new experience for me, and for working with such a great group of people. Thanks very much for sharing some of the secrets from your extensive experience, and I look forward to continuing this journey sometime in the future. I would recommend this course to anyone looking to take a first step on to a stage.“
Lindie Last
“She is very intelligent with a talent for connecting with her students. I took both acting fundamentals and the upper level scene study course from her which requires an audition for admittance. She ignites passion into her students and forces them to take ownership for their successes and failures as students…I owe her for my post-grad successes.”
Judy Lynx
“I was feeling somewhat discouraged and lost in terms of how I was feeling about acting. I am once again passionate and enthusiastic about learning and growing and looking for opportunities to perform.
I cannot wait to take Barbra’s advanced class! ”
Alex Winchell
“Barbra French creates an incubator of excellence for every actor, from neophyte to expert. She invites, inspires and critiques with kindess, and is quick to offer imaginative options for us to experiment with. Her method is practical, simple (“it’s all about action!”) and playful; she coaxes innovation and daring from her students, and makes every moment an opportunity for learning. “Oops!” moments become “Wow!” epiphanies. Most of all, she evokes joy, laughter, and genuine collaboration with her example. She’s a gem!”